 Solution

For a one-dimensional wavefunction, the probability density and probability current areThe Time-dependent Schrödinger equation with a real potential is $i\hslash {\psi }_t=-{\hslash }^2{\psi }_{xx}/(2m)+V\psi$. Multiply it and its complex conjugate by ${\psi }^{\ast }$ and $\psi$, respectively. Subtracting cancels the real-potential terms and givesThis derives the continuity equation ${\rho }_t+j_x=0$.

For $k>0$, the specified free-region wavefunction combines a right-moving incoming wave of unit amplitude and a left-moving reflected wave with complex reflection amplitude $R$. Applying the free Schrödinger operator to either plane wave gives $E={\hslash }^2{k}^2/(2m)$. Its time factor has modulus one, soThe density includes the stationary interference pattern; $|R{|}^2$, rather than $R$, is the reflection probability.

For the finite square well, let $k=\sqrt{2mE}/\hslash$ outside and $q=\sqrt{2m(E+V_0)}/\hslash$ inside. Write the stationary parts as $e^{ikx}+R{e}^{-ikx}$ to the left, $A{e}^{iqx}+B{e}^{-iqx}$ inside, and $T{e}^{ikx}$ to the right. At both finite potential steps, the wavefunction and its first spatial derivative are continuous. Integrating the stationary Schrödinger equation across a shrinking step proves derivative continuity; a jump of the wavefunction would create an unmatched distributional derivative and is excluded.

Propagate the boundary values at $a$ back through the well. The values at zero areMatching them to $1+R$ and $ik(1-R)$, and adding the two equations after division of the second by $ik$, givesSince the exterior wave numbers agree, the transmission probability is the current ratio $|T{|}^2$, soWhen $V_0=3E$, $q=2k=\sqrt{8mE}/\hslash$, yieldingClassically an incoming particle of positive energy crosses the attractive well and emerges with its original energy, so transmission is one. The quantum result agrees exactly when $qa$ is an integer multiple of $\pi$:These are widths with resonant transmission through a square well; the degenerate width zero also has unit transmission.